403rd University recognizes top performers

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Marnee A. C. Losurdo
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs

The 403rd University recognized some of its outstanding students during its first award ceremony during the 403rd Wing Commander’s Call Sept. 11.

Presentations included the Thor Unit, Knowledge Unit, and Consistency is Key Awards as well as recognizing members who completed the requirements for the Wingman Level of the Three-Tiered Incentive Program.

The 403rd University, established in February, is a professional development council to help Airmen and civilians reach personal and professional goals and assist commanders by providing career enhancement support through courses, seminars and other events to enhance leadership, management, and supervisory skills.

It also offers courses that focus on the mental health, spiritual wellness, physical fitness and healthy social networks that form the foundations of Comprehensive Airman Fitness to help Airmen, family members and Air Force civilians stay healthy so they can be more resilient to face common challenges associated with military service, said Maj. Linda McCullough, 403rd U president and 403rd Wing executive officer.

The Thor Unit was presented to the 403rd Maintenance Squadron’s Avionic Flight, which won three of the wing’s monthly fitness challenges for most push-ups, sit-ups and steps.

“Fitness is a key component of Comprehensive Airman Fitness,” said McCullough. “We must be physically ready to accomplish the mission.”

She added that this is in line with the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command Lt. Gen. John P. Healey’s task order’s first priority for all Airmen to be “ready now.”

“These members took it upon themselves to come together as a group, to not only motivate themselves, but each other and the wing to be physically fit,” said McCullough.

The other fitness award, Consistency is Key, was presented to Master Sgt. Danielle Goosby, with the 403rd Maintenance Group who also instructs spin classes on base. This award recognizes the member who posts most frequently to the 403rd Sweaty Selfie Facebook page and provides the most motivation to other Airmen, said McCullough.

In addition to fitness, the 403rd U also recognized unit members and organizations who participated in the most courses and completed Wingman Level requirements as part of the Three-Tiered Incentive program.

The Knowledge Unit Award was presented to the 403rd Mission Support Group, which had 64 students attend one or more of the 24 courses offered by 403rd U this year. Several MSG Airmen attended multiple courses totaling an enrollment of 101 courses. Courses included topics ranging from decorations and performance report writing to coaching and mentoring.

The 403rd U Three-Tiered Incentive Program, which includes the Wingman, Leader, and Warrior Levels, encourages members to grow personally and professionally by completing professional development and Comprehensive Airmen Fitness requirements. For the Wingman Level, members must attend five courses, read a professional development book and write a report, and attend one Comprehensive Airman Fitness event.

The first wing member to fulfill these requirements for the Wingman Level was Senior Master Sgt. D. Myra Trippe with the 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The second member to achieve this was Tech. Sgt. Tamara L. Gray with the 41st Aerial Port Squadron.

Trippe has enjoyed being part of the 403d U and interacting with the diverse members of the wing.

“The classes are presented in a such a way that if you are a young noncommissioned officer learning to write enlisted performance reports or a senior leader or mentor trying to bridge a gap between Gen X and Gen Z, it covers a lot of ground,” said Trippe, the assistant superintendent for her unit. “Additionally, the assignments for each level of 403d U contribute to our everchanging environment as leaders. Everyone should always have an open mind and take a minute to try something outside their comfort zone. You're never too old to learn new things.”


McCullough also recognized members who donated their time and effort to lead the professional development council. These Airmen are the first wing members authorized to wear the 403rd U leadership patch.

“I thank the members of the leadership team because they are the ones working behind the scenes to make this council a success and encourage the personal and professional development of all wing members,” said McCullough.

Those members include Maj. Brittany Olivier, 403rd Logistics Readiness Squadron and 403rd U vice president; Senior Master Sgt. Monica Garcia, 403rd Force Support Squadron and 403rd U curriculum development; Master Sgt. Glenda McQuirter, 403rd Operations Group and 403rd U lead for the Three-Tiered Program; and Master Sgt. Chasity Roush, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and 403rd U outreach and development.

The 403rd U is always looking for motivated wing members to help lead the professional development council, said McCullough. There will be a 403rd University All Call leadership meeting Oct. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the 815th Airlift Squadron Auditorium. The purpose of the meeting is to redesignate leadership roles to include electing a new president and fitness coordinator, said McCullough. There will also be an orientation program that will explain the requirements for each level of the Three-Tiered Incentive Program.

For more information or questions concerning upcoming classes, contact Master Sgt. Chasity Roush at 228-377-1921.